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| Four Seasons Hemet Herald | September 2016 | 3 Our August message advocated that becoming informed about, and engaged in, the myriad of activities taking place here in Four Seasons is a good way to stay knowledgeable about things of importance within our community. This month's message is a sequel to that concept. Did you see the Emergency Preparedness article in that edition of the Herald which mentioned that September is National Preparedness month? Also, September 11th is the 15th anniversary of the devastating attack against our country by terrorists. On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 people were killed, 400 of whom were police officers and firefighters, in the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center in NYC, at the Pentagon building in Washington, D.C., and in a plane crash near Shanksville, PA. We all can recall where we were and what we were doing when we got the word about this horrible tragedy. Country artist Alan Jackson even sat down and composed a thought provoking song called Where Were You?, and there's a verse in that song that goes; "Did you burst out with pride for the Red, White and Blue, and the heroes who died, just doing what they do? Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer, and look at yourself, and what really matters?" Now is a good time to reflect on how we felt in the days, weeks and months after that attack. There was an incredible surge of national pride and patriotism. American flags were seen flying from almost every vehicle, people proudly displayed flags on their homes and, for a time, we felt truly UNITED! As we struggled to make sense of it all, we really came together as a nation — probably for the first time since the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. It's once again time for us to strive for those feelings of unity and common purpose. There are a lot of things going on in the world today that give rise to concern. But much of what concerns us is outside our ability to influence. A renowned educator, author and businessman, Stephen R. Covey described in his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, a concept of the "Circle of Influence" and the "Circle of Concern." He advocated that the vast majority of people focus too much time and energy outside of their Circle of Influence, and in their Circle of Concern. Such people typically waste time and energy preoccupying themselves with, and worrying about, issues they cannot control. Covey noted that highly effective people think and act primarily within their Circle of Influence. They forget about the things over which they have no control, preferring instead to focus their time and energy on issues where they can actually make a difference. By doing this, they gradually expand their Circle of Influence as they earn more power and respect. Here is a diagram of this concept: The circles represent the two areas where you can focus your time and energy. Where do you spend most of your time and energy? If you sit at home each evening, shaking your head as you watch reports on the news, wondering what the world is coming to, you're way out in your Circle of Concern. A more beneficial use of your time is to identify things of similar importance to you, and that you can actually do something about. Here are some common things people may worry about (Circle of Concern), followed by an example of something they could do to improve the situation (Circle of Influence): • The big earthquake – take actions to enhance your personal level of preparedness, take CERT training • Physical health – watch your diet, exercise for 20 minutes daily, learn First Aid and/or CPR • Criminal activity - start a Neighborhood Watch group, learn personal safety tips, be security conscious Whenever you're getting worked up over something, ask yourself, "What can I do to change this situation for the better?" Figure out some good ideas and act on them. If you really can't think of anything, realize that you're wasting valuable time and energy worrying about the issue. Let it go, and redirect your resources to an area where you can actually make a difference. Message From the Board of Directors Sincerely, and on behalf of your Board, Tony, Greg, Ken, Jim, Don, & Gene Russ Brown, Vice President Circle of Concern Circle of Influence

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